Is Pottsville or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Pottsville is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 50/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,677 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 19% lower. Pottsville has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Pottsville has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 104.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Pottsville — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Pottsville, PA
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Pottsville | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,676.5 | 2,082.4 | -405.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 329.3 | 412.4 | -83.1 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 59.9 | 21.4 | +38.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 29.9 | 77.4 | -47.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 239.5 | 310.9 | -71.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,347.2 | 1,670.0 | -322.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 164.7 | 187.4 | -22.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,137.6 | 1,087.1 | +50.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 44.9 | 395.5 | -350.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pottsville or San Diego safer?
Pottsville is safer with a total crime rate of 1,677 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 19% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Pottsville has a violent crime rate of 329.3 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Pottsville has lower violent crime.
About Pottsville, PA
Pottsville, home to Yuengling, America's oldest brewery, is a small city nestled in the Appalachian Mountains. Its population is predominantly white, reflecting its rich industrial past in coal mining. With a safety score of 50/100 and a population coverage of 13,361, Pottsville has a total crime rate of 1,676.5 per 100,000 residents.
About San Diego, CA
San Diego, California, a major port city with a significant Hispanic population, sits on the Pacific Ocean just north of the Mexican border. Known for its mild climate and Balboa Park, it's also home to a large naval presence. With a safety score of 38/100 and a population coverage of 1,389,024, San Diego has a total crime rate of 2,082.4 per 100,000 residents.